Recommendation? What plasma cutter do you use?

Josh Rider

Josh Rider

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Sep 2, 2014
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I'm looking into a plasma gun for cutting out knife profiles and things like that. Max thickness probably 1/4”.
My budget is$700.
Portability isn’t necessarily something I need.
I plan on upgrading my compressor as well so I don’t necessarily need a unit with an internal compressor (but I’m not opposed to it either).
I’ve googled it and looked on amazon, I just want to hear from you guys that may already be using one.

Thanks!
 
Hypertherm 30XP. It has been absolutely fantastic. You need dry air with a plasma cutter if you don’t then you will burn through consumables rather fast. I am in the “buy once cry one, buy cheep replace next week” crowd.
 
At home I have Hypertherm, about 20 years now. Other than its small, 120-240 volt, dont remember its model. Its been great machine.
At the Shop, presently a Cebora. Dont remember what model either, but its a beast, will cut over 1”. Its been great. Cebora were said to be a ’value/economy’ machine of its day and we certianly got our moneys worth.
 
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We have an old Hypertherm PowerMax 45. I've had it probably 15-20 years. It has always worked flawlessly and never had any problems, but honestly it is very seldom used. Plasma cutters are cool but, at least in my shop, not very useful.

If I were using a plasma cutter to cut out knife blanks I would be careful to leave plenty of room for that heat affected zone.
 
Good point, I don’t know how far that would be, I was thinking at least 1/4” for the HAZ.
The hypertherm is more than I can get.
It is a gift so I wouldn’t be able to ask for more money.
If I can’t find one for under $700 I may have to suggest a different tool.
 
In all honesty a plasma would be the last tool I would buy if I was not fully fully equipt.
 
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